Synergistic formation of samarium oxide/graphene nanocomposite: A functional electrocatalyst for carbendazim detection.

Herein, an electrochemical sensor based on samarium oxide anchored, reduced graphene oxide (Sm2O3/RGO) nanocomposite was developed for the rapid detection of carbendazim (CBZ). Different characterization methods were infused to deeply examine the morphology, composition, and elemental state of Sm2O3/RGO nanocomposite. The Sm2O3/RGO modified electrode exhibits an excellent electro-catalytic performance toward CBZ detection with a peak potential of +1.04 V in phosphate buffer solution (pH 3.0), which is superior to the RGO-, Sm2O3- and bare- electrodes. This remarkable activity can be credited to the synergetic effect generated by the robust interaction between Sm2O3 and RGO, resulting in a well-enhanced electrochemical sensing ability. Impressively, the fabricated sensor shows improved electrochemical performance in terms of the wide working range, detection limit, and strong sensitivity. On a peculiar note, the electrochemical sensing performances of CBZ detection based on Sm2O3/RGO nanocomposite demonstrate an extraordinary behavior compared to the prior documented electro-catalyst. In addition, the fabricated Sm2O3/RGO sensor also displays good operational stability, reproducibility, and repeatability towards the detection of CBZ. Furthermore, it was successfully applied to the CBZ detection in food and environmental water samples with satisfactory recovery. In accordance with our research findings, the Sm2O3/RGO nanocomposite could be used as an electro-active material for effectual electrochemical sensing of food and environmental pollutants.

Se substituted 2D-gC3N4 modified disposable screen-printed carbon electrode substrate: A bifunctional nano-catalyst for electrochemical and absorption study of hazardous fungicide.

The indispensable usage of pesticides for the control and prevention of pests is probable and includes several types based on the problems in the crops. Among them, fungicides, are one problem-solving agent curing fungal developments. the disproportionate use of fungicides will lead to environmental deterioration and several health issues. The assessment of such fungicides is highly motivated to be detected. Under the class of two-dimensional materials, graphitic carbon nitride (GCN) with high surface area and high electrocatalytic activity was chosen as electrode material. The efficiency of GCN was improved with the subsequent substitution of selenium (Se) into the triazine ring as Se-GCN. The structural and surface analysis was done and the layered structure was proved. The electrochemical detection of CBM showed a lower detection limit at 6 nM with a linear range 0.099 µM-346.9 µM while, the absorption studies showed a LOD of 20 nM with a linear range of 0.099 µM-182.09 µM. The orange juice and vegetable extract samples had good recovery with CBM at Se-GCN modified disposable screen-printed electrode. The developed disposable electrode was more sensitive with 6.45 µAµM-1cm2 sensitivity and highly reactive with CBM. Moreover, the developed sensor will be more effective in sensing applications to avoid the menace generated by several agents.

Ni-Doped ZrO2 nanoparticles decorated MW-CNT nanocomposite for the highly sensitive electrochemical detection of 5-amino salicylic acid.

In this work, Ni-doped ZrO2 nanoparticles (NPs) were used to decorate multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) to obtain a Ni-ZrO2/MWCNT nanocomposite, which acted as an efficient electrode material for the highly sensitive electrochemical detection of the anti-inflammatory drug 5-amino salicylic acid (5-ASA). The Ni-ZrO2 NPs were obtained through a facile co-precipitation method, and the subsequent support of these Ni-ZrO2 NPs onto MWCNTs was accomplished via an ultrasonication technique. Supporting Ni-ZrO2 NPs on MWCNTs not only results in excellent catalytic properties, but it also substantially enhances the surface area, electrical conductivity, and electron transfer process. The electrochemical activity of the synthesized Ni-ZrO2/MWCNT nanocomposite was systematically investigated via cyclic voltammetry (CV) and differential pulse voltammetry (DPV) techniques. The constructed Ni-ZrO2/MWCNT-modified glassy carbon (GC) electrode manifests superior electrocatalytic oxidation activity toward 5-ASA, with a lower peak potential compared with Ni-ZrO2-NP- and MWCNT-modified GC electrodes. Importantly, the proposed biosensor exhibited excellent sensitivity during the detection of 5-ASA with a wide linear concentration range (0.001-500 µM) and a low detection limit of 0.0029 µM. Moreover, the biosensor demonstrated excellent repeatability, reproducibility, stability, and high specificity toward 5-ASA detection in the presence of different interfering species. Furthermore, the biosensor showed satisfactory recovery rates in complex biological samples, such as human blood serum, human urine, and 5-ASA tablet samples.

Truncated Thioredoxin Peptides Serves as an Efficient Fusion Tag for Production of Proinsulin.

BACKGROUND: Insulin is a peptide hormone used for regulating blood glucose levels. Human insulin market is projected to grow at a rate of 12.5% annually. To meet the needs of patients, a cost effective insulin manufacturing strategy has to be developed. This can be achieved by selecting a competent host, ideal fusion tag and streamlined downstream process. OBJECTIVE: In this article, we have demonstrated that selecting a right fusion partner for expression of toxic proteins like insulin, plays a major role in increasing the recombinant protein yield. METHODS: In this article, we have focused on identifying a peptide tag fusion partner for expressing proinsulin by truncating thioredoxin tag. Truncations were carried out from both Amino and Carboxy terminus of the protein and efficiency of truncated sequences was evaluated by expressing it with proinsulin gene. FCTRX (1-15) sequence fused to proinsulin was processed further to establish downstream protocol for purification. RESULTS: Thioredoxin tag was truncated appropriately by considering the fusion tag: protein ratio. A couple of sequences ranging 10 - 15 amino acids were identified based on its in silico properties. Of these FCTRX (1-15) showed increased expression and stability of fusion protein. 156 mg of purified insulin was generated from 1g of inclusion body after enzymatic conversion and chromatographic steps. CONCLUSION: As a result of the current study, it was concluded that FCTRX (1-15) peptide has advantageous attributes to be considered as an ideal fusion tag for expression of proinsulin. This can be further explored by expressing it with other proteins.